Peacemakers

Matthew 5:9 NIV: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

There are very few of us who relish conflict. Some of you would say you avoid it at all costs, while others don’t look for conflict but don’t mind addressing it when it comes up. One thing is absolutely sure: conflict is unavoidable. In this verse, Jesus extols the peacemakers. The Greek word is actually a compound of two words, eirena (peace) and poieo (make). The crucial part of this is understanding eirena which does NOT mean “ignore conflict” and does NOT mean “stop fighting”. Interesting, because many of us, when thinking about peace, naturally think it means an end to the battle or the absence of conflict. Actually, the Greek word eirena means to join together into a whole. It is true that when two opposing forces unify into some type of compromise, there can be rest, and fighting might stop, but the key is joining together.

I wanted to visualize this with clay, and importantly, I wanted the two varied opposing clays (represented with black and white clay and buckets) to maintain their individual properties. Peacemaking doesn’t imply that the two suddenly become white, or suddenly become black, or even are so mixed together that they become gray. I think that making peace includes staying true to your individuality while being able to come together and join with someone or something radically different. There is tremendous beauty and strength when we join together, respecting differences but united for a common purpose.

The promise that such individuals will be “children of God” fits, doesn’t it? To be a child of God symbolizes full access to the inheritance that God offers. Think of an idealized childhood; it would incorporate absolute security, freedom for creativity and spontaneity, pure innocence, and realized unconditional love. The promise of being a child of God makes me want to do better at peacemaking!